Travel Guide to Auckland Wine Region

Auckland wine region is the wine region of New Zealand that is located on the country’s North Island. It takes its name from the city of Auckland which is New Zealand’s largest urban area. The diverse landscapes of Auckland wine region mean that this wine region produces a wide range of the best wines in New Zealand. Auckland wine region provides the perfect playground and destination for wine, nature, and food lovers from across the globe. The small Auckland wine region packs a big punch in its wines and hospitality. Visit Auckland wine region to experience New Zealand’s finest Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec wines.

Find out about Wine Tasting & Tours in Auckland Wine Region to enjoy if you visit the region.

Auckland wine region is home to some of the best wineries in New Zealand. Wineries that are open for visitors and provide hospitality for every wine lover. Follow the guide to the Auckland wine region, we prepared for you, to discover more about:

Wines of Auckland Wine Region

Wineries with open cellar door in Auckland Wine Region

Cultural and natural places to visit in Auckland Wine Region

Dishes to try in Auckland Wine Region

Auckland - Small But Exceptional

Auckland wine region is one of the smallest wine regions in New Zealand, where they produce some of the best wines in the country. The most well-respected wines of Auckland wine region include Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot wines.  Although small, Auckland wine region produces wines enjoyed by wine lovers across the world.

The Auckland Wine Region is Divided into Three Sub-regions

The Waiheke Island sub-region is a picturesque island with a unique terroir that is perfect for the growing of grapes. Waiheke Island has a maritime climate that is warm and dry. This climate helps to increase the intensity of the grapes giving them great depth while maintaining their purity. This subregion of Auckland wine region is well recognized for its wonderful Cabernet blends, bold Syrah, elegant Chardonnay, fruity Petit Verdot, and fragrant Viognier and Pinot Gris.

The West Auckland sub-region is where many of New Zealand’s oldest winemaking families are still located today. This region is characterized by warm climates and fertile soil. These soils are perfect for the growth of high-quality Chardonnay and Merlot grapes.

Matakana sub-region, which is one of the most naturally beautiful regions with its rolling hills, is located approximately an hour north of the city of Auckland wine region. The natural beauty and selection of excellent wines make it the perfect wine tourism destination in New Zealand. The vines of the Matakana region are younger than those in the other subregions of Auckland, but they still produce fruity and flavorful Pinot Gris, Cabernet, and Syrah grapes.

Internationally Recognised High-quality Wines of Auckland

The red and white wines of the Auckland wine region have developed an excellent reputation amongst wine lovers across the world.

Most of the red wines produced in Auckland wine region are Bordeaux Style. The best of these can be found in the Matakana region which produces excellent Bordeaux blends. The quality of these wines is thanks to the maritime climate of the area. Red wines of Auckland wine region are known for being well balanced with a strong focus on the use of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes complimented by the juiciness of Merlot varietals.

The most common white wine of the Auckland wine region is the Pinot Gris. These wines are spicy and aromatic with flavours of pear and other fruits. The Auckland Chardonnays are weighty with tropical flavours and a balanced level of acidity.

The warmer climate of the Auckland wine region have allowed wine makers here to begin experimenting with the growth and use of Spanish grape varietals including Temperanillo, Dolcetto, Sangiovese and Albarino.

Auckland Wine Region Map

Wineries to Visit in Auckland Wine Region

The Hunting Lodge Winery

The Hunting Lodge Winery is one of Auckland’s most beautiful wineries, producing some of the best in Auckland wine region, New Zealand. This winery is perched on top of a beautiful hill, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. Its Lawn Bar is a popular location for excellent wines paired with the best in local foods. The Hunting Lodge Winery is also one of Auckland’s most popular venues for both big and small events.

Cable Bay Vineyards

Visit Cable Bay Vineyards in the Auckland wine region to discover award-winning wines, exquisite cuisine, and breathtaking views. Their premium hand-crafted wines reflect the rich terroir of their estate-owned vineyards located on Waiheke Island and in Marlborough – two of the most distinctive and desirable wine-growing regions in New Zealand.

Read more about Wineries in Auckland Wine Region to visit.

Places to Visit in Auckland

Auckland Museum Maori Cultural Performance

Experience a Glimpse of Maori Culture

The Auckland museum in the heart of the city provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about Maori culture at its Maori cultural performances. These powerful performances take visitors on a journey through the history of New Zealand and the Maori culture. The performance also includes a moving performance of the famous haka war dance. The Auckland Museum is the only museum in New Zealand that stages daily Maori cultural performances. These performances last for 30 minutes and after the show, visitors are invited to engage and take pictures with the performers. Along with the performance, visitors to the museum can also explore various Maori treasures.

Auckland Sky Tower - The icon of the Auckland skyline

The Auckland Sky Tower is a 328-meter tower that overlooks the city of Auckland. The tower was built 20 years ago and is today a hub of activity in the city centre. At the bottom of the tower is SkyCity Auckland, a complex that houses hotels, various dining facilities bars, a theatre, and a casino. Visitors to the Auckland wine region should be sure to take the 220m trip up the Sky Tower to experience panoramic views of the city and to see the various famous landmarks of the Auckland wine region. The Sky Tower also has a gift shop and free WIFI so call your friends and family from what feels like the top of the world.

The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki is the leading cultural attraction in New Zealand. This unique art gallery is a place for art, culture, and innovation. The gallery has numerous exhibition spaces on different levels of the award-winning building. The art collection of the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki consists of more than 17 000 artworks that represent the history and culture of New Zealand. It is also home to the McCormick Research Library and the Conservation Research Centre. The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki offers guided tours as well as family experiences and educational tours.

Discover the best Auckland Wine Tour Guides and embark on an unforgettable journey exploring the finest Guided Wine Tours in Auckland.

Enjoy the Natural Beauty of Auckland Wine Region

Auckland wine region has a diverse landscape that is breathtaking to see. The landscapes of the Auckland wine region vary from tropical rainforests to black sand beaches and long stretches of beaches of golden sand. The 48 volcanic cones of the Auckland wine region provide excellent panoramic views of the region. The Auckland wine region is a must-see for all nature lovers.

Auckland’s West Coast Beaches  

Rugged Beauty and Crashing Surf

The west coast beaches of Auckland wine region are well known for their rugged beauty, black sand beaches, and dramatic crashing surf. The west of the Auckland wine region is notoriously wild. The most popular beaches in this area are Whatipu, Karekare, Piha, Bethells, and Muriwai which are all wild and breathtaking. Although these beaches seem somewhat otherworldly, they are all conveniently close to Auckland city. Visitors to these beaches should be careful of the strong rip tides and undercurrents of the waters. Swimming is only allowed where surf patrol flags can be seen.

Rangitoto Island - A Natural Landmark of Auckland

The iconic Rangitoto Island sits on the coast of the Auckland wine region and rises 260 meters above the Hauraki Gulf. One of the most exciting activities to do when visiting Auckland wine region is to climb the summit of Rangitoto for incredible views. Taking time to explore Rangitoto Island is a must-do activity when visiting the Auckland wine region. To reach the volcanic lava fields take an easy walk with a slight climb. Once there, spend time exploring the lava caves and visiting the historic bach community close to the wharf.

Hauraki Gulf Islands - Sparkling Waters Dotted with Magical Islands

The Hauraki Gulf Islands are well known for the surrounding expanse of perfect blue water filled with bright emerald islands. The region of New Zealand is famous for water sports and island adventures. So wonderful is this region that it was once named the best experience in New Zealand by Lonely Planet. Visitors to the Hauraki Gulf Islands can enjoy sailing, fishing, kayaking, jet-skiing, and many more activities. The best way to see the islands is to island-hop by ferry. For wine lovers, a highlight of the Hauraki Gulf Islands is Waiheke which is also known as the island of wine. This island is home to many away winning wineries with award-winning wines. For bird lovers, the Hauraki Gulf Islands is home to Tirititi Matangi Island which is an open-air wildlife sanctuary. Here visitors can take guided tours or spend their time exploring the wonderful nature at their own pace.

Fresh Local Ingredients and Delicious Dishes in Auckland

Wine Region

What to Eat in Auckland Wine Region

The cuisine of Auckland wine region is strongly influenced by the wide range of available fresh local ingredients. As an island nation, much of Auckland’s cuisine is made of the freshest seafood. The cuisine is also strongly influenced by the previous colonies. A culinary trip to Auckland wine region is a true treat for the taste buds.

Hokey Pokey Ice Cream - The Official Ice Cream of New Zealand

Hokey Pokey ice cream is the quintessential New Zealand dessert. This treat is made with vanilla ice cream that is served with small lumps of honeycomb toffee. Hokey Pokey is the most popular flavour of ice cream in New Zealand and after tasting it, it’s easy to understand why. The ice cream has become so well-loved that it is now exported to Japan and other places across the Pacific.

Kidd’s Orange Red - The Orange Red Apple

The Kidds Orange Red is an apple that is unique to New Zealand. This apple was created by a local New Zealand orchard owner who had a passion for making new varieties of fruits. The Kidds Orange Red apple was created by combining Cox’s Orange Pippin apple with other local varieties. The result was an apple that is considered one of the most outstanding apples available. The Kidds Orange Red has a yellow skin colour with an orange and red flush. As the fruit ripens it develops a pink blush. The skin of the apple is deliciously crunchy and the flavour is as sweet as honey. For a unique and different apple-eating experience, be sure to treat yourself to a Kidds Orange Red.